Over the last 10 years, the 32nd pick overall pick has had mixed success. One player that was picked 32nd overall is a guy you might have heard of: Drew Brees of Purdue. But over the last ten years, Brees is the only 32nd pick overall you can characterize as a superstar.
Here's the 32nd pick overall for the past 10 years.
2009: Steelers - Evander Hood DT - Finished his first season with just 8 tackles and one sack.
2008: Dolphins - Phillip Merling DE (only 31 picks in 1st round because of Patriots) - Posted 1 sack his rookie season and 2.5 sacks last year. Nothing special.
2007: Colts - Anthony Gonzalez WR - Contributed over 500 yards receiving in each of his first two seasons. Was out for 2009 with an injury.
2006: Giants - Mathias Kiwanuka DE - 19.5 sacks in 4 seasons with a career high 8 sacks in 2008. Decent contributor.
2005: Patriots - Logan Mankins G - Still a starter on the Patriots' offensive line, and a two time pro bowler. Has played all 16 games for the Patriots for 5 straight season.
2004: Patriots - Ben Watson TE - Solid role player and starting tight end. Just left Patriots after 6 seasons to sign with Cleveland Browns. Has scored 20 career touchdowns.
2003: Raiders - Tyler Brayton DE - Decent veteran role player that had the most success in the past two seasons with the Panthers. Had a career high 5 sacks last season.
2002: Redskins - Patrick Ramsey QB - A former Tulane superstar was a disappointment as the Redskins' starter. Has been a career backup ever since 2004. Has 35 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions in his career.
2001: Chargers - Drew Brees QB (only 31 picks in 1st round) - No introduction needed.
2000: Browns - Dennis Northcutt WR (only 31 picks in 1st round) - Durable slot receiver that's had a good career. He's contributed in to teams in each season he's played, both on offense and special teams.
As you look through these players, I'd say that Mankins and Brees are the only two players I'd consider a homerun. I wouldn't say that any of these guys are complete busts, either, but the jury is still out on Hood and Merling. Ramsey is probably the weakest pick of the bunch, and he's still managed to stay around the league since 2002 as a backup. Ironically the Saints brought Ramsey in for a workout earlier this offseason. Moral of the story? Don't expect a superstar, but recent history suggests there's a good chance the Saints can land someone serviceable.
